Charred Green Beans with Ricotta Lemon

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €8.28 · €2.07/serving

• 1 1/2 pounds slender haricot verts, ends removed (blanch in salted water for a vibrant color)Est. price €4.50–€7.50
• 3 tablespoons premium extra-virgin olive oil, plus additional for a finishing drizzle (choose a high-quality olive oil for enhanced flavor)Est. price €0.45–€0.90
• 3/4 teaspoon sea salt, plus extra for seasoning (taste and adjust salt levels accordingly)Est. price €0.02–€0.05
• Freshly ground black pepper (crack fresh pepper for a burst of flavor)Est. price €0.01–€0.03
• 2 cups creamy whole-milk ricotta cheese (use fresh ricotta for the best flavor and texture)Est. price €3.00–€5.00
• 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest (use a microplane for the finest zest)Est. price €0.10–€0.25
• Lemon wedges (for serving) (squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish before serving for a citrusy kick)Est. price €0.20–€0.50

Steps

1. 1

   Get the grill ready for cooking at a medium-high temperature, or heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. For grilling, place the green beans in a grill basket and put it on the hot grill. Cover and cook, flipping once halfway through, until the beans are slightly charred and tender-crisp, which should take approximately 8 minutes. If using a grill pan instead, cook the green beans directly on the pan, stirring occasionally until they develop a light char, for about 10 minutes.

2. 2

   Begin by combining ricotta cheese, 3 tablespoons of oil, and 3/4 teaspoon of salt in a large bowl. Using an electric mixer set to medium-high speed, whip the mixture until it becomes smooth and fluffy, which should take around 2 minutes.

3. 3

   Begin by spreading a layer of whipped ricotta onto a serving platter. Arrange the charred green beans on top of the ricotta. Drizzle some oil over the green beans and sprinkle with lemon zest. Season everything with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the dish with lemon wedges placed alongside for an extra burst of flavor.

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• Cultural note

  Charred green beans with ricotta and lemon is a modern twist on a classic Italian dish. Ricotta cheese is a staple in Italian cuisine, known for its creamy texture and mild flavor. The addition of lemon zest adds a refreshing and citrusy element to the dish.

• Seasonal note

  Green beans are typically in season during the summer months, making this dish perfect for a summer meal. Lemons are also abundant in the summer, adding a fresh and seasonal flavor to the dish.

• Health note

  This dish is high in protein and fiber, making it a satisfying and nutritious option. The green beans provide vitamins A and C, while the ricotta cheese adds calcium and protein. However, the dish is also relatively high in calories and saturated fat, so portion control is important for those watching their intake.